Hyderabad: Labour and Employment Minister Dr. G Vivek Venkatswamy said the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation was founded on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision to safeguard minimum wages, protect workers’ rights and guarantee social security for labourers.
He delivered the keynote address at the ESIC Foundation Day programme at Sanathnagar ESI Hospital on Tuesday. He said the landmark initiative brought health assurance to lakhs of working-class families nationwide. The ESIC Foundation Day programme reflected the institution’s continuing focus on labour welfare.
The Minister recalled his family’s long engagement with labour welfare. He said his father served as both Union and State Labour Minister. He noted clear improvements in infrastructure and medical facilities at ESI hospitals over the years.
ESIC Foundation Day highlights expansion drive
Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy urged doctors to build confidence and courage in patients while providing treatment. He acknowledged that government hospitals often draw criticism. However, he said ESI hospitals received very few complaints about their services.
He stressed that education and healthcare remain the most pressing needs of the poor. Corporate hospitals, he said, charge exorbitant fees. In contrast, ESI institutions deliver quality medical care to workers at affordable costs. He reiterated this commitment during the ESIC Foundation Day programme.
The Minister said the State government is strengthening medical services for workers with sincerity and focus. He confirmed that the Chief Minister responded positively to a proposal to allot land for a new ESI hospital in Shamshabad. The new facility will serve a large workforce in the region.
Turning to district progress, he said the ESI hospital in Chennur started with 50 beds and now runs at full capacity. He also addressed reports about the proposed cancellation of 18 ESIC dispensaries. The Cabinet discussed the matter and decided to continue with their construction.
Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy called the launch of organ transplantation surgeries at the ESI Hospital a major milestone. He thanked organ donors for their life-saving contributions.
He assured that the government will fully support efforts to expand and strengthen ESI services across the State. Principal Secretary Dana Kishore and ESIC Regional Director Rajeev Lal attended the ESIC Foundation Day programme.